Chelsea hold talks over massive Newcastle swoop as Todd Boehly pushes Blues ahead of Man City, Real in transfer tussle
Chelsea appear to be ahead of Manchester City and Real Madrid in the race to sign Bruno Guimaraes from Newcastle United after holding discussions over his potential move, although the Magpies have a big plan to keep him.
Guimaraes has been a revelation for Newcastle since joining from French side Lyon in January last year. He has gone on to become one of their most important players, as well as a fan-favourite, thanks to his classy midfield displays.
The 25-year-old has also forced his way into the Brazil national team. He made two appearances at the Qatar World Cup before Brazil were knocked out of the tournament in the quarter-finals by Croatia.
Manager Eddie Howe will be delighted with how Guimaraes has performed so far in a Newcastle shirt. However, the player’s brilliance has resulted in some unwanted attention from rival clubs.
The Telegraph have provided a report which details Chelsea, Manchester City, Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain’s interest in Guimaraes.
There have previously been claims Real are interested in Guimaraes as an alternative to Jude Bellingham, just in case the Borussia Dortmund star ends up at Liverpool. Transfer insider Graeme Bailey, meanwhile, has confirmed to TEAMtalk that Newcastle are in contract talks with Guimaraes to ward off interested clubs.
The Telegraph have reiterated that those discussions are taking place. Newcastle are understood to be in renewal talks with Guimaraes and his agent over a new long-term deal. And an announcement is expected before the end of the current campaign.
This would be a major boost for everyone involved with the club. Especially when some major teams are stepping up their pursuit of him.
Chelsea hold Bruno Guimaraes talks
The report reveals how Chelsea opened talks with Newcastle for Guimaraes in the recent January transfer window. These negotiations, which will likely have been spearheaded by chairman Todd Boehly, put Chelsea ahead of City, Real and PSG in the chase for the Magpies favourite.
However, this could change before the summer comes around. After all, City boss Pep Guardiola is a big fan of Guimaraes and could instruct his club to submit a huge offer.
PSG are the most relaxed suitors at this point. They are simply keeping tabs on the situation in case Guimaraes becomes available for transfer. But the same cannot be said of Real.
It is claimed they have been following him since his time with Lyon and continue to do so. Those in the player’s camp would love to see him shine for Real, should he opt to leave Newcastle.
Therefore, it would not be a surprise if Guimaraes tested himself at the highest level by joining the La Liga giants in the future. However, that probably won’t happen for several years.
Newcastle’s new contract for Guimaraes should help to calm things down with regards to a potential exit. Plus, the Rio de Janeiro-born ace appears very comfortable at St James’ Park.
During a recent interview, he pledged his future to the club by saying: “When I signed, (I thought) I’d like to put my name in the club’s story. I think I’m doing it, but, of course, to get my name there, I need to win a title. I know what a title means for the club’s story.
“People grow up and they never see Newcastle as champions. My motivation here is to win a title for the club.”
